A variety of tropical plants can thrive in shade. Coral bells are the most popular among these plants, with their colorful foliage and spires of small blooms that emerge in late spring and last through the summer. Their stems reach up to 10 inches, and their foliage often changes colors in fall. They attract hummingbirds and are popular with flora lovers. The foliage can be found in many shades of yellow, red, orange, purple, and pink.
Heucheras
Among the many options for shade-loving perennials, heucheras are a great choice. Their large, heart-shaped leaves and scalloped edges attract hummingbirds. They’re easy to grow and care for, and provide year-round interest. Heucheras can be grown in a variety of locations, including mixed perennial borders, container gardens, and woodland areas.
The varieties of heuchera are quite variable, but most are suited for shade gardens. Plant breeders have developed hundreds of different varieties, including ‘Zipper’, which features bright magenta foliage beneath its dark green foliage. In addition to these varieties, there are many clones available for sale. In addition, you can buy single plants of Heuchera ‘Rose-Purple’ and ‘Mahogany’ for your garden.
Heucheras are the best outdoor plants for shade gardens because they tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and grow taller each year. For best results, plant your Heucheras deeper than you usually would. Leave a portion of their growing tips exposed so that the tips don’t bury into the soil. Similarly, don’t bury the woody parts. They can be invasive, so take care when replanting.
Coral bells are an excellent choice for shade gardens. The flower-like petals of Heuchera will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They are also drought-tolerant. If you plant them properly, they’ll last for years. And if you’re worried about a lack of water, you can opt for the ‘Palace Purple’ variety. This variety is one of the oldest varieties and will thrive in a shaded area. Plant it at least 30 cm apart to prevent the roots from rubbing together.
Heucheras prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. Once established, a double composting should be sufficient. They prefer a medium-soil pH level that ranges between neutral to slightly acidic. Heucheras are drought-tolerant once established, but they can tolerate extra water during periods of hot weather. They also tolerate pruning in early spring to shape them into shape. This shrub also requires little maintenance.
Lily of the valley
If you are looking for the perfect outdoor plant for shade, lily of the valley is a great choice. This perennial flower thrives in partial to full shade and needs moist, well-drained soil. Lily of the valley also grows well in containers. Plant rhizomes 6 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep. Once established, lily of the valley requires little care. It does not require much fertilization and rarely suffers from pests or diseases. Divide old plants to rejuvenate their growth.
The ideal soil type for lily of the valley is neutral to acidic, but it will also grow in slightly alkaline soil. It prefers a consistent, moist soil, but not wet. It also prefers cool temperatures and no prolonged periods of drought. This shade-loving plant will die if it does not receive the proper amount of water. During the summer, lily of the valley will bloom and flower, but will soon become leafless and brown.
Another plant that thrives in shade is lily of the valley. This beautiful plant has a dense root system and spreads easily. Once established, it produces small bell-like flowers that have a strong, sweet fragrance. Lilies of the valley are also deer-resistant, making them perfect for forcing indoors and shade gardens. There are many varieties of lilies, and many are available in miniature sizes for easy growing.
Lily of the valley is an attractive shade plant that can fill a flowerbed fairly quickly. It is poisonous when ingested, so avoid it if possible. Lily of the valley is a perennial flower and spreads by seeds and underground rhizomes. It can be divided and featured in different parts of your yard. Lily of the valley also grows well in containers and is a good option for people with limited space.
Asian bleeding hearts
Watering your Asian bleeding heart is one of the most important maintenance tasks for this plant. It needs about one inch of water per week. You can also plant it near plants that need plenty of water. Even if it’s dormant, it needs water to keep its roots well hydrated. To make watering easier, mark it by putting a marker on it. Once it begins to look dry, water it.
Alternatively, you can plant it in a container. They do best in a sheltered stoop or balcony. If you’re planting bleeding hearts in containers, you should place them in a place that receives filtered light. Asian bleeding hearts are also excellent cut flowers. Branches of Asian bleeding hearts can be used to make arrangements. They’re best planted in spring, so you can enjoy their beautiful blooms for as long as possible.
In the garden, Asian bleeding hearts will thrive in partial to full shade. They thrive in shadier regions but can tolerate partial sun. You’ll also want to make sure the soil is well-drained, since they prefer a pH level between 4.5 and 6.0. If you have sandy soil, you’ll want to avoid planting bleeding hearts during winter, as the plant goes dormant during the winter months. However, if the temperature is high enough, it can grow in full sun.
Because Asian bleeding hearts are perennials, they don’t need to be divided every year. You can divide them in the spring or early fall when the leaves are cut back. Make sure to use a sharp garden knife to divide the stems and the roots. Divide the stems and replant in the garden, if possible. You can even share the flowers with friends. There are so many benefits to growing Asian bleeding hearts in the garden.
Japanese painted fern
If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance shade perennial that has colorful fronds, consider the Japanese painted fern. This plant prefers full shade, moist soil with high organic matter, and woodland conditions. Water this plant regularly during dry spells and during hot weather, but it won’t need supplemental fertilizers. Its low-maintenance requirements make it one of the easiest plants to grow outdoors.
This low-maintenance, low-water, and deer-resistant perennial grows 12 to 18 inches tall, with a similar spread. It tolerates pruning and doesn’t require much maintenance. Japanese Painted Fern is deer resistant and grows best in partial to full shade, in zones three to eight. The foliage is green and has metallic-blue flecks, and the stems are reddish-purple.
When growing Japanese Painted Fern, keep in mind that it will tolerate a few summer months of heat. Its USDA hardiness zone range is three to eight, and it spreads by creeping rhizomes. A good way to divide it is to dig out individual clumps each spring. It has variegated green fronds that are heavily coated with silver, and wine-red stems.
The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) is the best outdoor plant for shade. It boasts silvery sweeps of soft, mounded leaves. Its stems are deep burgundy. It’s also easy to grow and maintain. And its foliage will last until frost, when the fern leaves will disappear until the following spring. If you’re considering putting this beautiful plant outdoors, start propagating today!
The Japanese painted fern is also a popular landscape plant for shade. When grown in a mass, this plant can brighten up even the most shady areas. It also pairs well with other shade-loving perennials. Its ferny roots are extremely attractive and will complement other plants that thrive in shade. In addition, it is very hardy. It can survive winters in USDA regions three to eight.
Alternanthera
If you are looking for the best outdoor plants for shade, consider growing Alternanthera. This plant grows in mounds and is great for knot gardens. It retains its attractive color even after being pruned. Depending on its size, Joseph’s coat can be used as edging or a groundcover in the garden. If you choose to use it as an edging plant, it should be planted at least two inches apart, but you can also grow dwarf varieties in pots.
Joseph’s Coat plants don’t require supplemental fertilization, but in poor soil, they need a fertilizer every two to three weeks. Alternanthera plants do not need additional fertilizer, but they can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer during the summer. The Alternanthera plant can be planted in most types of soil, but it is best planted in well-drained soil that drains well. Add organic matter to the soil for better drainage.
If you’d like to plant something with more color in the garden, you can choose a variety of heucheras. This plant is also known as coral bells. It thrives in partial shade and sun, and has lovely, showy foliage. The colors of the leaves vary from silvery green to salmon to rusty orange. This plant is perfect for pots and is perfect for shady areas.
While many plants in this family are suited to a shady area, they are also very beautiful in landscapes. The lush foliage of Alternanthera begins to display its vivid colors in late spring. It’s still showy without flowers, and it tends to last longer than some flowering perennials. You can overwinter the plants indoors in a well-lit area, but they need good drainage during winter to survive.
